As we enter the 21st century, one of the greatest global challenges is the need for inexpensive, reliable, clean and renewable sources of energy. Developed and developing nations alike have an ever-growing demand for energy, but relying solely on coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels and nuclear fuels—traditional and common energy sources—is not the best answer. Fossil fuels are neither renewable nor clean. Their use generates air pollution, acid rain, water pollution, and the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Moreover, fossil fuel price volatility and supply disruption can wreak havoc with local and national economies.

Wind energy is an inexpensive, clean, renewable and simple alternative to the problems created by the use of fossil and nuclear fuels, and a proven part of the solution to the growing demand for power.

Wind power is:

 

Inexpensive. The price of electricity generated by new wind energy plants is competitive with the price of electricity from new fossil fuel plants and is less expensive than other forms of renewable energy.

Fast to install. Large wind energy plants are routinely built in less than six months from the start of construction.

Clean. Wind turbine technology does not pollute the air, water or soil, does not create acid rain, radioactive waste, or contribute to global warming, and does not consume the large amounts of water needed by other energy sources.

Renewable. Unlike fossil fuels, the supply of wind power is unlimited and cannot be depleted.

Popular. Polls in the United States and Europe show that a majority of people support wind power, and “support for wind plants often increases as they are installed and operating.” (American Wind Energy Association)

Compatible with many other land uses. The wind turbines and related facilities at a utility-scale wind plant typically occupy less than 5% of total project land area. The vast majority of wind plant acreage remains free to use in other ways, including ranching, farming, mineral development, hunting and recreation, and many other activities.

A significant potential energy source. According to Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory, wind power could readily supply 20% or more of America’s electricity needs.

Growing worldwide. At the end of 2003, there were 40,000 megawatts of wind energy plants installed around the globe. Wind energy grew at an annual rate of 28% from 1998 through 2003, making it the world’s fastest growing power generation technology.

For detailed and comprehensive information about wind power, we recommend the following resources:www.awea.org, the website of the American Wind Energy Association, and www.windpower.org, the website of the Danish Wind Energy Association.